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Photos: Nicola Jenvey
The Durban event was really moving.
The event took place at the Durban Exhibition Center, and was full of youth from schools, some of them travelling in from the rural areas. The teachers let them in to the event, giving them a dance4life bag with a dance4life t-shirt, which they all wore. Virtually everyone there wore white, with the t-shirt, which looked amazing.
There was a large stage in the center with large screens where they showed short films. The atmosphere was really good, with thumping music, bands performing, and breakdancers, who were really popular.
"The event has been a wonderful experience for learners. They enjoyed being in front of TV cameras and to be seen by the whole world. It makes them feel important." Mr Makhoba, teacher from Mzuvele High , KwaMashu
Wayne Alexander, the chair of the board of dance4life South Africa gave a speech to welcome everyone, as did other local and political dignitaries. The Zulu Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi MP (Traditional Prime Minister of the Zulu Nation, Chairperson of the House of Traditional Leaders) also gave a speech, which was very moving as he has lost two children to AIDS. He stated "There is no room for stigma or silence", and he was loudly cheered by the young people, who obviously appreciated his presence at the event. Here is part of his speech:
"Our beautiful country is also the worst affected by HIV and Aids, with the prevalence rate in this province, KwaZulu-Natal, tipping the 40 % mark. Young people, especially girls, are bearing the brunt of this disease. This epidemic is mercilessly mowing down are youth and hollowing out our communities. dance4life offers a shining ray of hope.
"The brilliance of dance4life is that it actively involves young people by dancing 4 life and to fight back against HIV and AIDS. I was amazed to hear that there is dance4life event taking place the Pyramids in Cairo on the very same day we having our own dance4life concert here in Durban. So from the top to the tip of Africa, young people are taking responsibility for their own destinies by promoting HIV and AIDS awareness in this popular form of entertainment.
"As many of you will know, I lost two children to Aids in 2004. When I remember Nelisa and Mandisi, my overwhelming memory is that they never succumbed to a victim mentality. They fought the disease to the last day with the courage and spirit of those who never gave up hope. In the end their bodies gave in, but their young spirits triumphed.
"There is no need for young people to get infected and die from AIDS. As a father and a leader of my people, I would to take a few moments to speak about the importance of young people, like you, leading empowered lives. There is no room for stigma and silence.
"It is vital that you seek the best possible standard of sexual health, including access to sexual and reproductive health care services, contraceptives and medication. Information is power. You cannot afford to be timid, embarrassed or squeamish. Your teachers, health workers, doctors and nurses have all been young once too! You must actively seek, receive and share information with each other about sexuality, contraceptives, sexually transmitted infections and HIV and AIDS...
"It is therefore important you choose your partner carefully. If your partner does not want to use protection, he or she does not respect your body or, honestly, love you. If you choose to be sexually active, you need to know your partner's status and be even extra careful to practice safe sex... I particularly want to say to the young ladies present, you have a right to say "no" or "no further". The decision if you and your partner decide to have children or not should only be made after very careful consideration."
The event as a whole was moving, full of enthusiasm, and all the performers talked about dance4life. The youth obviously enjoyed themselves and enjoy being a part of dance4life. A really good event.
